Ken Jeong

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Ken Jeong is an American actor, comedian, and physician, best known for his roles in film and television. Born Kendrick Kang-Joh Jeong on July 13, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan, Jeong grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina. He completed his undergraduate degree at Duke University in 1990 and went on to earn his medical degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1995. Despite his medical background, Jeong chose to pursue a career in entertainment.

Early Life

Jeong was born to South Korean immigrants in Detroit and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. He showed an early interest in theater and comedy, participating in high school plays and winning the Greensboro's Big Easy Laff-Off in 1995, which encouraged him to pursue performance. However, he also excelled academically, leading him to follow a more traditional career path in medicine initially.

Career

Medicine

After completing his residency in internal medicine at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Jeong became a licensed physician in California. However, his passion for comedy and acting never waned, and he continued to perform stand-up comedy while practicing medicine.

Entertainment

Jeong's break into the entertainment industry came with small roles in comedy series and films. His role as the Asian mobster Mr. Chow in the The Hangover series brought him widespread recognition. He has since appeared in a variety of comedic roles in films such as Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, and Crazy Rich Asians. On television, Jeong is known for his role as Ben Chang on the NBC sitcom Community and has hosted the game show The Masked Singer.

Personal Life

Jeong is married to Tran Ho, a Vietnamese American physician, with whom he has twin daughters. His wife's battle with breast cancer significantly impacted Jeong, influencing his performances and career choices. He often incorporates his medical background and personal experiences into his comedy, creating a unique blend of humor and empathy.

Filmography

Jeong's filmography includes a mix of comedic and dramatic roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Some of his most notable works include:

• The Hangover series (2009-2013) - Mr. Chow
• Knocked Up (2007) - Dr. Kuni
• Pineapple Express (2008) - Ken
• Role Models (2008) - King Argotron
• Community (2009-2015) - Ben Chang
• Crazy Rich Asians (2018) - Goh Wye Mun

Philanthropy

Beyond his work in entertainment, Jeong is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of cancer research and awareness, inspired by his wife's battle with the disease.

Legacy

Ken Jeong's unique career path from medicine to mainstream entertainment has made him a beloved figure in both fields. His ability to blend humor with heartfelt sincerity, often drawing from his own life experiences, has endeared him to audiences worldwide.